Also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day, this romantic festival has been celebrated in China for centuries. Traditionally, this was the day when young, single women prayed for skill in needlework in order to attract a husband and bear children. The name of the festival refers to the seventh daughter of the Jade Emperor, a weaving maid, who was only allowed by her father to see her beloved, a lowly cowherd, once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Gifts of bouquets of flowers or chocolates, special dates, romantic dinners, and dance parties are among the celebrations during this day, highly anticipated by all single people in Guangzhou.

Also known as the Moon Festival, this is the day in the year when the moon is particularly round and bright, a symbol of unity and familial happiness. The main feature of this traditional festival is the sharing of cakes with family and friends.

October 1 National Day (Guoqing Jie, national holiday)

Commemorates the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, proclaimed by Mao Zedong. Festivities are held throughout the city, including fireworks, military parades, concerts and dance parties.

This popular festival for lovers of traditional kites draws more than 10,000 participants from around the world each year, all working to keep their colourful creations aloft in the skies above Yangjiang.

December 31 : Christmas (national holiday)

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CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN Guangzhou

Guangzhou has a humid, subtropical monsoon climate. Humidity levels in the city are often quite high. Winters are mild, with abundant rain. Summers are hot and muggy, with the potential for typhoons from June to September.

Month

Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°)

Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°)

Average Rains (MM)

Best Time to Travel

January

10/50

18/64

43/1.7

Not the best period to go

February

11/52

18/64

65/2.6

Not the best period to go

March

15/59

22/72

85/3.3

Good period to go

April

19/66

25/77

182/7.2

Good period to go

May

23/73

23/73

283/11.1

Good period to go

June

24/75

31/88

258/10.2

Good period to go

July

25/77

33/91

228/9.0

Not the best period to go

August

25/77

33/91

221/8.7

Not the best period to go

September

24/75

31/88

172/6.8

Not the best period to go

October

20/68

28/82

79/3.1

Not the best period to go

November

16/61

24/75

42/1.7

Not the best period to go

December

11/52

20/68

23/0.9

Not the best period to go

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Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

The airport is located about 28 kilometres (17 miles) north of Guangzhou.

Line 3 of the Guangzhou Metro links the airport to the centre of the city; a single ride costs CNY 8.

By bus

Six bus lines (1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4 and 11) connect the airport to the city, running every 15 to 30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Travel time is about 50 minutes, with fares ranging from CNY 13 to CNY 22.

GETTING AROUND Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a large and growing metropolis. Long known for rampant urbanization and gigantic traffic jams, today it is a city transformed. Guangzhou has a public transport system the equal of those in other leading international destinations. The construction of a modern underground rail network and the development of a more liveable urban environment have made getting around the city a rather pleasant experience.

By rail

The Guangzhou Metro is a convenient way to get around and covers the entire length and breadth of the city. Line 1, which runs from east to west, and Line 2, which runs from north to south, intersect in the centre of the city and are certainly the most useful ones for visitors. The basic fare is CNY 2, for distances of 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) or less, with supplements for longer distances.

By bus

Buses are a practical and inexpensive way to discover the city. About 8,000 buses operate in the city every day, from 5 a.m. to midnight. Only a portion of them are air-conditioned. The fare is about CNY 2.

By taxi

Guangzhou has more than 16,000 taxis! Although this may sound impressive, demand is also very high, especially at rush hour. The initial rate (flag-down fare) is CNY 10, plus about CNY 3 for each additional kilometre (0.6 miles).

By car

Driving licences obtained in other countries (including international driver's licences) are not recognized in China.

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Visitor information

Upon your arrival in Guangzhou, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.

As a general rule, it is advisable to drink only bottled water sold in sealed, tamper-proof containers.

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Administrative formalities

Citizens or nationals of all but a handful of countries must be in possession of a visa to enter China, regardless of the length of their stay.

For further information on visa requirements, contact the Chinese consulate general closest to your place of residence.

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Essential phrases

Here are a few basic Chinese phrases that will make your stay in Guangzhou a little easier:

Hello / Good morning: Nĭ hăo

Good afternoon / Good evening: Wănshang hăo

Goodbye / See you soon: Zàijiàn

Yes: Shì

No: Bù

No, thank you: Bù le xièxie

Thank you very much: Fēicháng xièxie

I don't understand: Wǒ bù dǒng.

Could you repeat that: Qǐng zài shuō yíbiàn?

Please: Qǐng

What time is it: Xiàn zài jĭ diăn le?

Excuse me: Duìbuqĭ

Airport: Jīchăng

Train station: Huǒ chē zhàn

Taxi: Chūzūchē

Hotel: Bīnguăn

Hospital: Yīyuàn

Bank: Yínháng

Telephone: Diànhuà

I'm (…): Wǒ shì (…).

I'm looking for (…): Wǒ zhăo (…).

How much is this: Zhè duōshăo qián?

Do you have (…): Yǒu méiyǒu (…)?

Where can I find (…): Wǒ zài nǎ li kě yǐ zhǎo dào (…)?

Where can I buy (…): Wǒ zài na li kě yǐ mǎi dào (…)?

I'd like (…): Wǒ xiǎng (…).

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Good to know

00 86

+ phone number without the 0 (calls to Guangzhou)

7 : 00
of time difference withLuanda

Banks

Usually open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Government offices

Usually open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

220 V / 50 Hz

And what about tipping?
Tipping is not expected in Guangzhou's restaurants and cafés. On the other hand, it is quite common to thank tour guides and drivers by offering a small gratuity. Of course, the amount you choose to give is entirely up to you.